Probe launched after baby born with severe abnormalities in Kerala’s Alappuzha despite scans

The Health department and the police have launched investigations after a baby was born with severe abnormalities in Alappuzha district of Kerala.

According to Anish Muhammed from Lajnathul Ward in Alappuzha municipality, his wife, Surumy, gave birth to their third child on November 8. In complaints filed with authorities, the couple said the child was born with serious birth defects, including facial deformities, misaligned ears and eyes, atypical genitalia, a hole in the lungs, tongue retraction when lying on the back, and limb defects. They alleged that doctors failed to identify the abnormalities before birth despite multiple antenatal scans during the pregnancy period.

Surumy had been under treatment at the Women and Children’s (W and C) Hospital, Alappuzha, throughout her pregnancy before being referred to the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), Alappuzha a few days before delivery.

“Surumy was admitted to the W and C Hospital on October 30 for delivery. The doctors, on November 2, referred her to the MCH after identifying complications. The abnormalities were detected during a scan at the MCH, but it was too late. The earlier antenatal scans were done at private labs recommended by the W and C Hospital doctors,” the parents said.

In a statement issued on Thursday (November 28, 2024), Health Minister Veena George said that a special team led by Health department additional director would probe the complaint.

Ms. George said she had directed the Health department director to initiate an inquiry immediately after learning of the incident. “A district-level investigation is already under way, which will cover the scanning centres involved. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for any lapses,” the Minister said.

Four named in complaint

The Alappuzha South Police have registered a case and launched a probe based on the complaint. Four persons have been named in the complaint, including two gynaecologists at the W and C Hospital and two doctors at scanning centres. The doctors at the W and C Hospital have denied any negligence on their part.

Anish is a taxi driver.